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Edges
and Finishes in Machine Embroidery by Valerie
Campbell-Harding Valerie Campbell-Harding has done it again. Author of one of my favorite books, “Beaded Tassels, Braids and Fringes,” she has amazingly, written another “cutting edge” book using her prodigious creativity and talent. Acting on her belief that the edges and finishing of a project, while often an afterthought, actually greatly influence the character of a piece, she advocates carefully considering the edges during the design phase. Filled with colorful, eye-catching photos, her book progresses from very basic information, to sophisticated designs requiring a high level of skill with a well functioning, computerized embroidery/sewing machine. Also required of the reader is a sense of adventure and a willingness to experiment with non-traditional materials not ordinarily used by sewers. Some of the materials used by the author to achieve her extraordinary results are a heat gun, newspaper, silk pods, ring sticks, nappy liner, tyvek, wire, raffia, paper napkins, computer, pipe cleaners, and mini blow torch. She sews, tears, embroiders, melts, beads, burns, paints and fringes edges until they become exciting and integral parts of the whole. Starting with familiar techniques like fraying, cording, satin stitching, pintucks, piping, points and tabs, she also includes burning and melting in the opening chapters. The examples of wired and lacy edges are truly amazing and gorgeous. Pieces of embroidery, also known as slips, are added to an edge to make a very interesting border. Beaded edges progress from simple, tiny beads sewn on an edge to larger, wrapped cylinders to add immediate interest. The chapter on fringes and cords demonstrates the author’s originality with truly unique fringes incorporating embroidered and stuffed shapes, beads and tassels. I can’t wait to try her method for making satin stitched rings to use in tassels and fringes. The fringes are sewn, painted, embroidered and twisted to produce an assortment of exciting examples. The cords are embellished with shapes, beaded, knotted, looped, twisted and braided. Who else would have thought to take the utilitarian cord to such decorative extremes by adding color, texture and shapes? Her amazing results appear to be achieved by the inspired use of every sewing foot that comes with a machine, plus some specialized feet that can be ordered. Fortunately, she includes the resources for much of the equipment and materials. There is so much more-too much to cover here. This book is a very good investment. Utilizing the techniques illustrated in the book would enable quilters, artists, garment makers and others to make items uniquely their own. The instructions are complete and the photos are inspiring. All that is required from the reader is a willingness to experiment and let go of preconceived notions about what edges and finishes should be like. Review by Diana Norris |
